Thursday, July 8, 2010

Top Five Books for Thrift Inspiration

What are you reading this summer? With my masochistic list of projects I haven't been able to read much outside of work related articles, but when I need thrifting or organizing inspiration I've been reaching for these books.

Organizing Your Craft Space
Tidy shelves of craft supplies, every piece in its place. Porn! Porn for those who want a big, beautiful, organized craft or art space! This book intentionally has a space for every style and craft type, it will inspire you to organize even the tiniest craft bits.

The Big-Ass Book of Crafts
I can't recommend a craft book more than The Big-Ass Book of Crafts, it's a proverbial bible of low-cost crafty goodness across the spectrum. My favorite crafts are the easy and effective home made organic body products. Writer Mark Montano is my hero.

Collector's Style
Neatly lined shelves of retro collection goodies. This book praises the collector and inspires you to thoughfully and artistically arrange your collection with an artist's eye. This book is a thrifting instigator and I love it. (Found while thrifting, naturally)

Handmade Modern
I checked this one out of the library about three times before I finally bought it. Just the book design inspires. It has simple step-by-step instructions that help you create gorgeous mid-century modern style furniture and crafts. From photography to writing and design, this is a perfect little book. I noticed a Kid's craft version on shelves this weekend, Kid Made Modern.

Since I desperately need a new couch I plan to attempt the design above from Handmade Modern Soon! What thrifter doesn't need more storage? This Daybed Library is perfection.

Hopefully I'll have time to sit down and truly read something from beginning to end soon, but for other busy ones like me that need pretty pictures and light text to skim, these books are some good light summer reading for the thrifty soul. What thrifty reads can you recommend?

11 comments:

Good choices, all! Last Christmas my daughter got the Big Ass book and we all spent our fair share of time sneaking a look at it. I love to look at old decorating books. Some of the ideas are horribly dated, but you can spot the timeless decor and designs very quickly. Also, they are good for some laughs.

I love vintage decorating books, a little comedy but also usually some good inspiration. I once saw a craft room with a gun rack- my dream craft room! I almost grabbed one for this post but wanted books that were easy to find.

The big ass book of crafts LOL Stopping by to let you know I have moved to a new domain. You can see me at www.nothingbutfabulousity.comI have numerous giveaways, polls, and contests. Here is the sad part, with my move it appears I have lost all my comments. So if you have entered into anything I actually need you to zoom back and re-comment. If you havent entered into any of them, what are you waiting for? Get your butt over there!! HA! Site is under construction so please be patient. Stay Fabulous Chara www.nothingbutfabulousity.com